| Gold's autobiographical novel is set on the East Side of New York City in a slum populated mainly by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. His father is a painter, but suffers from sickness because of the lead in the paint. At first he manages to make a living for the family, but when he falls from a scaffold, he is no longer able to continue as a painter. Since he has no other trade, the family is pushed into further poverty. Michael, his young son, is forced to go out and work. His wife gets a job in a restaurant. The family is forced to live from hand to mouth. Although he is a bright boy, the young Michael decides he must leave school and try to get a job to support the family. Gold's novel paints a picture of immigrant life in the early part of the 20th century. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - depressed Time/era of story - 1900-1920's Ethnic/Regional/Religion Other aspects: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Ethnic/regional/gender life Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - a kid Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - society Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 () United States Yes The US: - Northeast Writing Style Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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